#Crochet Chevron Ripple Stitch Afghan

I finally got around to finishing this afghan.  It was actually a very easy stitch pattern to follow once I got into the project.

The only stitch that you use for this pattern is the double #crochet stitch remembering that you will have to crochet 2 stitches together in the valleys of the design.

Here are pictures of the afghan.

You can find the easy pattern at CLICK HERE

As always, I thank you for stopping by and visiting my page.  Stay safe.

The HookDude

The Gift of Love - Donating to a Favorite Charity

According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the definition of the word "gift" is - (noun)  "something voluntarily transferred from one person to another without compensation".  Other words or synonyms for "gift" are donation, present and bestowal.

The idea of giving is very simply stated in the St. Francis of Assisi prayer "for it is in giving that we receive".  

The act of giving or donating has been a healing process for me.  It has helped me get through periods of stress, depression, anxiety and anger.   Lately, most of my donations have been items that I have crocheted or knit, and if you have read some of my past posts, you know that I crochet and knit a lot of hats (with some scarves thrown in).

By giving something to a person in need you will reach out to them with unconditional love.  You don't expect anything in return, but you know that the recipients of your gift of love will have a smile on their faces knowing that someone out there is reaching out to touch them.

Your gift is a symbol of love and compassion.  You can find many organizations online that accept donations for families, children, and patients in hospitals.   Don't forget to also check in your community for organizations that need donated items like scarves, hats, and blankets.

As always, I thank you for stopping by and visiting.  

The HookDude

The Power to Heal

Why is it not surprising that when you crochet (or knit) something (though small that it may be) ... there is a certain calm in your spirit ... a moment when you are transported to a better place.  

Yes, such is the power of creating something with your mind, your hands, yarn and a crochet hook (or knitting needle).  Much has been written about the therapeutic benefits of working with a crochet hook or needle.  In fact, there are some prisons where a rehabilitative movement has started where inmates are taught to either crochet or knit.   In addition, crocheting and knitting are also taught to some elementary age children in the schools.  My own doctor suggested to me to consider learning how to crochet or to knit in order to help reduce the stress that I was experiencing at the time.

According to the Lion Brand blog at their site, some of the benefits of crafting with yarn are:

1.  Knitting and Crocheting Relieve Depression
2.  Crafting Reduces Anxiety
3.  Crafting Projects Help Build Self-Esteem
4.  Crafting May Reduce or Postpone Dementia
5.  Knitting or Crocheting May Help Insomnia
6.  Relaxation Reduces Irritability and Restlessness
7.  Crafting as Prayer (Prayer Shawl Crafting)
8.  Yarncrafting Builds a Support Community
9.  Crafting May Help with Grief Processing
10. Knitting and Crocheting May Minimize Stress 

To read the complete article above go to this link.

For me, crocheting and knitting has helped me focus on one thing only and to stay in the moment.  Some people call this mindfulness.  When I pick up the hook and the yarn, I stop thinking about other things that are trying to crowd my mind, and this seems to work for me about 99% of the time.  I've been able to get to this point after 5 years.  When I first started learning to crochet, I was more stressed than relaxed because I was trying to coordinate all my hand movements all at once (the learning curve). 

I don't have any scientific evidence that crocheting and/or knitting reduce my blood pressure, but I do know that they slow my mind considerably and they also relax my body . . . and for me, that's good enough. 

What are some ways that yarn crafting has helped you?  I would love to hear from you.

As always, I thank you for stopping by and visiting.  Have a nice day.

The HookDude

Charity Project Completed for the Children's Cancer Unit

I finally got around to organizing myself and putting together the last bundles of hats I made for the children's cancer unit at University hospital here in the city.  This project has been a labor of love for me and has taken several weeks which eventually turned into months.

I'm very happy to say that this project is complete for this part of this year, and I will slowly begin working on the next one (keeping my fingers crossed for more free time and good health) for the end of 2015.   

These last bundles will be delivered this month.

source of man crocheting Found on influx.uoregon.edu

“Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn't hurt the untroubled spirit either.” ― Elizabeth Zimmermann 

As always, I thank you for stopping by ... and remember that there are many organizations that need donations from talented persons like yourselves ... so consider donating one item of your choice.

The HookDude

Spring arrives ... A New Awareness

With the arrival of spring, comes a new awareness.  The cold seems like a thing of the past ... the mornings feel different and the morning sun brings an added anticipation to the new day.

The air feels different up in the Texas Hill Country preparing us for the burst of color along Texas highways.   Pretty soon, the fields will be the stage for colorful art with the Texas bluebonnets.

Texans prepare to welcome spring-time with a variety of celebrations in cities and towns throughout the state. 

There's Fiesta San Antonio, Austin Reggae Fest and Fiesta de La Flor (remembering Selena) in Corpus Christi just to name a few.  The list goes on.  To check out more events happening in Texas go to this events link.

Fiesta San Antonio Street Parade

Thanks for stopping by ... 

The HookDude